Assessing the applicability of qualitative comparative analysis for the evaluation of complex projects

This paper introduces and assesses Qualitative Comparative Analysis (QCA) as a complexity-informed framework for evaluating complex infrastructure projects coupled with area development. This is done in four steps. First, the properties of infrastructure and area development are discussed. When combined with a complexity perspective, it follows that the context of a project is explanatory for its outcomes. Secondly, prerequisites for a evaluation framework following this point of departure are developed. Thirdly, common infrastructure evaluation methods are assessed against these requisites. lt follows that a comparative case-based approach is most suitable to study the relationships between context and outcomes in projects. Fourthly, fuzzy set Qualitative Comparative Analysis (fsQCA) is introduced and assessed related to the developed requisites. The paper concludes with a discussion of the further development of fsQCA.